What are those brown patches in your lawn?

If you live in a area where hot temperatures and high humidity is common, like Arlington, Texas… You may find your lawn infected with Brown Patch Lawn Disease.

So, what is Brown Patch Lawn Disease?

Brown Patch lawn disease is a pretty common and widespread problem caused by the Rhizoctonia solani fungus. This disease can infect a wide array of turf-grasses, however, the most vulnerable are: perennial rye-grass, tall fescue, and the bent-grasses. Kentucky blue-grasses have also been known to develop this disease in the mid-to-late summer months, during extended periods of high temperature and humidity.

What are the symptoms?

Do you see spotting on your leaf blades? If the answer is “yes”, this is a pretty good sign that Brown Patch is invading your lawn. The more obvious symptoms are circular areas of brown and dead grass surrounded by a thin, dark ring. Depending on the species and characteristics of your grass, Brown patch Lawn Disease may take on different shapes and sizes.

For example, grasses that are closely mown, like some Zoysias, will usually show circular rings of brown patches with an expanding gray ring growing the outer edge. This is most noticeable when the grass is damp, normally in the early morning hours.

High-cut grasses often exhibit circular brown areas, without the visible accents of a gray exterior.

When it comes to the tall fescue varieties, these tall grasses often do not exhibit the characteristic circular patterns mentioned earlier. Rather, the fungus will tend to appear on scattered across the blades of grass, so that the whole lawn may seem a little “off”. So the lawn may appear to have a sickly, tannish shade rather than the vibrant green you want to see.

Why is this showing up now?

Well, one reason may be because, in Arlington, TX… The weather is usually hot and humid! Brown Patch Disease love this type of weather. While, uncommon in the arid regions like Southern California and the Rocky Mountain States, Brown Patch is a problem for yard-lovers in every other part of the country.

Keep in mind, even though this fungus thrives when it’s hot and sticky, it is possible for your yard to become infected during the cooler months of the year. This is because Brown Patch Disease can take hold and develop well below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but doesn’t spread and become apparent to the naked eye until the temps and humidity levels rise. Dew, mist, or rain on leaf blades in these conditions can also contribute to the prevalence of Brown Patch.

How can I get my lawn healthy again?

Proper watering in midday to prevent wet grass at night is a good start, but has limited benefit. Mowing your grass frequently and on a regular basis, is by far the best way to promote air movement and drying of the leaf blades. This is probably the most helpful practice in battling Brown Patch.

More tips for treating:

Be sure to use only moderate amounts of nitrogenous fertilizer. So, don’t over do it. Fungicides are also effective if applied before the onset of the disease, but it’s recommended that you should use these chemicals on high-value rye-grass or bent-grass turfs. Also, don’t over- or under-fertilize your turf, as that can encourage Brown Patch.

Can I get help from a professional?

If you think your lawn is infected or you’re worried it may become so, give TREES HURT TOO a call. Our certified specialists know exactly what your lawn needs and what changes you’ll need to make in order to achieve the lawn of your dreams.

Are you in need of a Arborist for your Trees and lawn?

Trees are a valuable asset to everyone’s property and their health is very important. A tree doctor or tree professional arborist can help manage those trees for maximum value and benefit to the uses of your property. We start with a consultation on-site with our clients and their tree doctor determine what is necessary for the long term care of the trees. Allow an arborist, or tree surgeon, from our TLC’s office to provide tree service in Fort Worth, and Arlington, TX.

Our lawn and Tree program utilizes all natural and organic fertilizers and Bio nutrition that not only keeps your lawn beautiful and weed free, it also promotes healthy trees and shrubs. Our program will also save you up to 50% or more on watering. Package includes Fertilization of turf as well as trees and shrubs. We also take care of any disease or insect problems that may arise. For a beautiful and healthy landscape, call the Plant health care Professionals at Trees Hurt Too for a Free Onsite Diagnoses of your lawn and Landscape.